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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Revelation 5:1–5. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Hitherto the apostle had seen only the great God, the governor of all things, now,
I.He is favoured with a sight of the model and methods of his government, as they are all written down in a book which he holds in his hand; and this we are now to consider as shut up and sealed in the hand of God. Observe,
1.The designs and methods of divine Providence towards the church and the world are stated and fixed; they are resolved upon and agreed to, as that which is written in a book. The great design is laid, every part adjusted, all determined, and every thing passed into decree and made a matter of record. The original and first draught of this book is the book of God's decrees, laid up in his own cabinet, in his eternal mind: but there is a transcript of so much as was necessary to be known in the book of the scriptures in general, in the prophetical part of the scripture especially, and in this prophecy in particular.
2.God holds this book in his right hand, to declare the authority of the book, and his readiness and resolution to execute all the contents thereof, all the counsels and purposes therein recorded.
3.This book in the hand of God is shut up and sealed; it is known to none but himself, till he allows it to be opened. Known unto God, and to him alone, are all his works, from the beginning of the world; but it is his glory to conceal the matter as he pleases. The times and seasons, and their great events, he hath kept in his own hand and power.
4.It is sealed with seven seals. This tells us with what inscrutable secrecy the counsels of God are laid, how impenetrable by the eye and intellect of the creature; and also points us to seven several parts of this book of God's counsels. Each part seems to have its particular seal, and, when opened, discovers its proper events; these seven parts are not unsealed and opened at once, but successively, one scene of Providence introducing another, and explaining it, till the whole mystery of God's counsel and conduct be finished in the world.
II.He heard a proclamation made concerning this sealed book.
1.The crier was a strong angel; not that there are any weak ones among the angels in heaven, though there are many among the angels of the churches. This angel seems to come out, not only as a crier, but as a champion, with a challenge to any or all the creatures to try the strength of their wisdom in opening the counsels of God; and, as a champion, he cried with a loud voice, that every creature might hear.
2.The cry or challenge proclaimed was, "Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? Rev 5:2. If there by any creature who thinks himself sufficient either to explain or execute the counsels of God, let him stand forth, and make the attempt." 3. None in heaven or earth could accept the challenge and undertake the task: none in heaven, none of the glorious holy angels, though before the throne of God, and the ministers of his providence; they with all their wisdom cannot dive into the decrees of God: none on earth, no man, the wisest or the best of men, none of the magicians and soothsayers, none of the prophets of God, any further than he reveals his mind to them: none under the earth, none of the fallen angels, none of the spirits of men departed, though they should return to our world, can open this book. Satan himself, with all his subtlety, cannot do it; the creatures cannot open it, nor look on it; they cannot read it. God only can do it.
III.He felt a great concern in himself about this matter:
the apostle wept much; it was a great disappointment to him. By what he had seen in him who sat upon the throne, he was very desirous to see and know more of his mind and will: this desire, when not presently gratified, filled him with sorrow, and fetched many tears from his eyes. Here observe,
1.Those who have seen most of God in this world are most desirous to see more; and those who have seen his glory desire to know his will.
2.Good men may be too eager and to hasty to look into the mysteries of divine conduct.
3.Such desires, not presently answered, turn to grief and sorrow. Hope deferred makes the heart sick.
IV.The apostle was comforted and encouraged to hope this sealed book would yet be opened. Here observe,
1.Who it was that gave John the hint: One of the elders. God had revealed it to his church. If angels do not refuse to learn from the church, ministers should not disdain to do it. God can make his people to instruct and inform their teachers when he pleases.
2.Who it was that would do the thing - the Lord Jesus Christ, called the lion of the tribe of Judah, according to his human nature, alluding to Jacob's prophecy (Gen 49:10), and the root of David according to his divine nature, though a branch of David according to the flesh. He who is a middle person, God and man, and bears the office of Mediator between God and man, is fit and worthy to open and execute all the counsels of God towards men. And this he does in his mediatorial state and capacity, as the root of David and the offspring of Judah, and as the King and head of the Israel of God; and he will do it, to the consolation and joy of all his people.
Historical interpretation
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"And I saw an angel full of strength proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no one was found worthy, neither in the earth nor under the earth, to open the book." Now to open the book is to overcome death for man.
[Daniel 12:4] "But Thou, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time appointed. Many shall pass over, and knowledge shall be manifold." He who had revealed manifold truth to Daniel now signifies that the things he has said are matters of secrecy, and he orders him to roll up the scroll containing his words and set a seal upon the book, with the result that many shall read it and inquire as to its fulfilment in history, differing in their opinions because of its great obscurity. And as for the statement, "Many shall pass over" or "go through," this indicates that it will be read by many people. For it is a familiar expression to say: "I have gone through a book," or, "I have passed through an historical account." Indeed this is the idea which Isaiah also expressed in regard to the obscurity of his own book: "And the sayings of that book shall be like the words of a book that is sealed. And if they shall give it to an illiterate man, saying, 'Read it,' he will reply, 'I do not know how to read.' But if they give it to a man who does know how to read and say, 'Read the book,' he will reply, 'I cannot read it, because it is sealed up'" (Isaiah 29:11-12). Also in the Revelation of John, there is a book seen which is sealed with seven seals inside and outside. And when no one proves able to break its seals, John says, "I wept sore; and a voice came to me, saying, 'Weep not: behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the book and break its seals'" (Revelation 5:1-5). But that book can be opened by one who has learned the mysteries of Scripture and understands its hidden truths, and its words which seem dark because of the greatness of the secrets they contain. He it is who can interpret the parables and transmute the letter which killeth into the spirit which quickeneth.
who is worthy.... It is because Christ opened the book when he undertook the work of the Father's will, was conceived, and was born. The He broke its seals when He was slain for the human race.
a strong angel. this should be interpreted as the chorus of holy fathers who, having lived in divine friendship, and seeing with the eyes of faith that the arrangement of the present times and the order of all things were entirely sealed by the providence of God, understand their Operator to be the Lord of majesty.
And I heard a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice: Who is worthy to open the book? This signifies the preaching of the law. For many prophets and righteous men desired to see what the apostles saw (Matt. 13). And about this salvation, as Peter says, the prophets sought and searched diligently (1 Pet. 1). This is the book which in Isaiah is sealed both to the one who can read and to the one who cannot. Yet even there its opening is proclaimed thus: In that day the deaf will hear the words of the book (Isa. 29). And concerning it, Ezekiel says: And I saw, and behold, a hand was sent to me, in which was a scroll, and he spread it before me, and it was written within and without (Ezek. 2). He also added what John was silent about, namely, what was written in the book, saying: And there were written therein lamentations, mourning, and woe (Ibid.). For the entire series of the Old and New Testaments warns us to repent for sins, to seek the kingdom of heaven, and to flee from the lamentations of hell.
And I saw a strong angel, proclaiming with a loud voice: Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? By the strong angel we should understand a herald of the law, for the lips of the priest keep knowledge, and they seek the law at his mouth: because he is the angel of the Lord of hosts. [Mal. 2:7] Now what does it mean to ask who is worthy to open the book, if not to anxiously long for Christ, who could show that the law had been fulfilled and revealed in him, so that it no longer needed to be kept and understood carnally, but spiritually? It is right for the book to be opened first, and for its seven seals to be loosed afterwards, because the proclamations of the divine law were first fulfilled in Christ, and then in a certain manner in the whole body, as shown by the opening of the individual seals. Then since Christ had not yet come, it is fittingly said after that:
He says, I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" No one, he says, is worthy, O most divine angel, to speak to it, except the God who became man, who took away sin, "having wiped out the handwriting that was against us," (Col. 2:14) and by his own obedience healed our disobedience (Rom. 5:19).
a strong angel. This seems to have been Gabrial who is interpreted as God’s might.
who is worthy to open the book. That is, to reveal the mystery of God. and to loose the seals: That is, to show how each seal proceeds from the divine will.
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Summary
Revelation 5:2 presents a pivotal moment in John's heavenly vision, where a powerful angel issues a cosmic challenge, demanding to know who possesses the inherent worthiness and authority to unseal and open the divinely ordained scroll. This urgent proclamation sets the stage for the dramatic revelation of God's sovereign plan for history and redemption, highlighting the profound crisis that arises from the apparent absence of anyone qualified to execute such a monumental task.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is deeply embedded within the apocalyptic vision of God's heavenly throne room, which begins in Revelation 4. Chapter 4 establishes the awe-inspiring majesty and holiness of God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, surrounded by twenty-four elders and four living creatures in perpetual worship. Revelation 5:1 immediately precedes our verse, introducing the central object of the cosmic drama: a scroll, written on both sides and sealed with seven seals, held in the right hand of God. This scroll undeniably represents God's ultimate plan, His decrees for judgment and salvation, and the unfolding of history. The "strong angel's" question in Revelation 5:2 thus serves as a dramatic turning point, creating intense suspense and emphasizing the critical importance of finding the one worthy to unlock these divine mysteries.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient world, scrolls were the primary medium for important documents, including legal wills, property deeds, and royal decrees. The practice of sealing a scroll, often with multiple seals, signified its authenticity, authority, and the confidentiality of its contents. Such seals would typically be broken only by the rightful heir, an authorized agent, or a designated official. A scroll written on both sides (opisthograph) was unusual and indicated that its contents were extensive and of utmost significance, often used for prophetic or legal documents of great weight. The "loud voice" of the angel reflects the ancient practice of public proclamations by heralds, ensuring that the message reached all within earshot, underscoring the universal scope and gravity of this heavenly inquiry. This cultural understanding amplifies the dramatic tension of the scene, as the sealed scroll represents God's unrevealed, authoritative plan, inaccessible to all but the uniquely qualified.
Key Themes
The immediate context of Revelation 5:2 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the Cosmic Dilemma or Universal Impasse: the unfolding of God's sovereign plan for history and judgment is contingent upon someone worthy to open the scroll, yet no one in creation is initially found. This creates a moment of profound spiritual crisis and universal silence, underscoring the gravity of humanity's fallen state and the limitations of all created beings. Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of Unique Worthiness and Divine Authority: the question of "Who is worthy?" establishes an absolute standard of moral purity, inherent right, and divine qualification necessary to access and execute God's ultimate decrees. This sets the stage for the dramatic revelation of the Lamb. Finally, the scene powerfully reinforces Divine Sovereignty: the very existence of the sealed scroll, held by God on His throne, reiterates His ultimate control over all creation, history, and prophecy, even as the search for the one capable of enacting His will unfolds.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "forcible (literally or figuratively)." This word describes the angel, emphasizing his immense power and authority. He is not merely a messenger but one whose proclamation carries weight and resonance throughout the cosmos, fitting for the gravity of his inquiry.
Meaning "to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)." The angel acts as a divine herald, making a public, authoritative declaration. This isn't a quiet inquiry but a resounding, universal challenge, underscoring the critical nature of the question and its implications for all creation.
Meaning "deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)." This is the pivotal word of the verse. It implies not just capability, but inherent merit, perfect qualification, and the moral and divine right to perform the monumental task of opening God's sealed decrees. The search is for one who is perfectly deserving of this unique privilege and responsibility.
Verse Breakdown
"And I saw a strong angel"
John's vision continues, now focusing on a specific, powerful angelic being. The description "strong" (G2478, ischyrós) immediately conveys the angel's immense authority and the significance of his role in this cosmic drama. This is not a casual observer but a figure of considerable might, whose actions will have universal ramifications.
"proclaiming with a loud voice"
The angel's action is a public, authoritative declaration (G2784, kērýssō). The "loud voice" (G3173, mégas and G5456, phōnḗ) signifies that this message is meant to be heard throughout heaven and earth, emphasizing the universal scope and profound importance of the question being posed. It's a call to attention for all creation.
"Who is worthy to open the book"
This is the core question. The interrogative "Who" (G5101, tís) immediately establishes a search for a specific, uniquely qualified individual. The term "worthy" (G514, áxios) is crucial, demanding not just power or knowledge, but inherent merit, moral perfection, and the divine right to access and reveal the contents of the "book" (G975, biblíon), which is a scroll containing God's ultimate plan.
"and to loose the seals thereof?"
This clause clarifies the task. To "open" (G455, anoígō) the scroll necessarily involves "loosing" (G3089, lýō) its "seals" (G4973, sphragís). The seven seals signify the scroll's divine authority, security, and the sequential nature of God's unfolding plan. The one who can loose them must possess the authority to initiate the events contained within and reveal God's previously hidden purposes.
Literary Devices
Revelation 5:2 is rich with Symbolism, where the "strong angel" represents a divine messenger of immense power, and the "book" (scroll) with its "seals" symbolizes God's sovereign, predetermined plan for history, judgment, and redemption, whose contents are divinely protected and revealed only at the appointed time by the appropriate one. The angel's "loud voice" is a form of Hyperbole, emphasizing the universal reach and gravity of his proclamation, meant to resonate throughout all creation. The very nature of the verse is an Interrogation, a profound question posed to the entire cosmos, which creates intense Dramatic Irony for the reader who knows the answer (Jesus Christ) but witnesses the cosmic despair before His revelation. This also serves as powerful Foreshadowing, building anticipation for the subsequent introduction of the Lamb as the only one found worthy.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Revelation 5:2 introduces a profound theological dilemma: the unfolding of God's ultimate plan for creation and redemption is contingent upon a uniquely qualified individual, yet no one in the vastness of the cosmos is found worthy. This moment underscores the absolute sovereignty of God, who holds the sealed scroll of destiny, and simultaneously highlights the utter inadequacy of all created beings—whether human or angelic—to mediate or execute His perfect will. It sets the stage for the revelation of Christ's unparalleled worthiness, emphasizing that only one possessing divine nature and perfect righteousness can unlock the mysteries of God's redemptive purposes. The silence that follows the angel's question is a poignant theological statement about the universal need for a Savior who transcends all created limitations.
Reflection and Application
Revelation 5:2, though set in a cosmic, apocalyptic vision, offers profound truths for our daily lives. The angel's resounding question, "Who is worthy?", reminds us that God's plan is not haphazard but meticulously ordered, yet it requires a perfect mediator. In moments of personal uncertainty, global turmoil, or when the future seems sealed and inscrutable, this verse invites us to remember that God holds the ultimate blueprint. The initial despair of finding no one worthy powerfully magnifies the subsequent revelation of Christ's unique qualifications. This should instill in us a deep sense of peace and trust: our hope is not in human efforts or earthly powers, but in the One who alone was found worthy to open the scroll of destiny. It encourages us to surrender our anxieties to Him, knowing that He is sovereignly unfolding His purposes, even when we cannot see the full picture. Our task is to worship Him, live in light of His ultimate victory, and confidently await the full revelation of His kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the "book" or "scroll" mentioned in Revelation 5:2?
The "book" (Greek: biblíon, meaning "scroll") is a highly symbolic object in Revelation 5:1-7. It represents God's sovereign plan for history, redemption, and judgment. Written on both sides and sealed with seven seals, it signifies the completeness, divine authority, and hidden nature of God's decrees. It contains the divine blueprint for the end times, the unfolding of God's kingdom, and the ultimate triumph over evil. Its contents are so significant that only one uniquely qualified can open it, thereby initiating the events it foretells.
Why is it so important that someone be "worthy" to open the book and loose its seals?
The concept of "worthiness" (Greek: áxios) in Revelation 5:2 is paramount. It implies inherent merit, perfect righteousness, and the divine right to execute God's ultimate plan. No mere creature, whether human or angelic, possesses the moral purity, authority, or redemptive power to access and implement God's sealed decrees. The inability of anyone in heaven or on earth to open the scroll highlights the universal fallenness and inadequacy of creation. This sets the stage for the unique revelation of Jesus Christ, the Lamb, who alone possesses the necessary worthiness through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, as revealed in Revelation 5:5-7.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Revelation 5:2, with its urgent cosmic inquiry, serves as a dramatic setup for the ultimate revelation of Jesus Christ as the only one truly worthy. The "strong angel's" question, "Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?", creates a profound vacuum of hope, underscoring the universal inadequacy of all creation. This desperate search is resolved in the subsequent verses by the introduction of the Lamb, who is Jesus Christ. He is worthy not by created power or angelic might, but by virtue of His unique identity as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David" (Revelation 5:5), and supremely, by His atoning sacrifice: "for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation" (Revelation 5:9). Christ's worthiness stems from His divine nature, His perfect obedience, and His victorious death and resurrection, through which He conquered sin and death (Colossians 2:15). He alone possesses the authority to reveal and execute God's sovereign plan, bridging the gap between a holy God and a fallen humanity. Thus, the question posed in Revelation 5:2 finds its glorious and exclusive answer in the person and finished work of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who holds the keys to death and Hades (Revelation 1:18).